Ball Kelly’s departure as Children’s Officer is a blow to the G.A.A.

AFEW questions have arisen for the county G.A.A. Management Committee in the wake of the resignation of Joe Kelly as Children’s Officer last week. Why did they deem it necessary to over-ride a decision of County G.A.A. Convention and appoint a second person to the position?

Why did they appear to go against a rule of the association, in Kelly’s view, to make that second appointment to a post that was covered with such professionalism and integrity by the Naomh Eanna clubman, a retired Detective Garda?

Why the necessity for such a course of action when only one Children’s Officer can be appointed in accordance with Kelly’s interpretation of Rule 3.11 (a) of the Official Guide?

To those still unaware of the situation, Kelly resigned from his post in the middle of last week when it emerged that Angela McCormack, the former Secretary and new Vice-Chairperson of Coiste na nOg, had been ratified to fulfil the functions of the Children’s Officer for the Wexford and New Ross Districts, with Kelly set to look after the Gorey and Enniscorthy Districts if he was satisfied with the arrangement.

That wasn’t the case though, as he felt his position was being undermined, so he resigned on Wednesday.

The situation is difficult to fathom given the child protection and welfare codes agreed by the association as outlined below for the public to understand.

It states: ‘Our Games-Our Code is the new Code of Best Practice in Youth Sport agreed by the Gaelic Athletic Association and the Rounders Council of Ireland. This Code will direct our members and all units of our Association in our work with under-age teams.

‘Our Associations are committed to creating and maintaining the safest possible environment for all young people who participate in our Gaelic Games and activities. We shall take all practicable steps to protect them from discernable forms of abuse, from harm, discrimination or degrading treatment and shall respect their rights, wishes and feelings. ‘We Do This By: ‘Recognising that all children have the right to be protected from harm.

‘Ensuring that all our coaches and volunteers are carefully recruited and selected in accordance with our own guidelines and relevant legislative requirements and that they accept responsibility for ensuring the wellbeing of children in their care.

‘Responding swiftly and appropriately to any allegations or concerns so as to protect the welfare of children who participate in our games and related activities.

‘Appointing Children’s Officers in each of our clubs and at County Board level.

‘Appointing a National Children’s Officer to oversee the implementation of good child protection and welfare practices within our Association.

‘Appointing a Designated Officer in each club and county who will liaise with the statutory authorities as appropriate.

‘Appointing a National Designated Officer to assist, advise and oversee the processing of child protection and welfare matters.

‘Providing parents and children with the opportunity to voice their concerns.

‘Ensuring that all allegations of abuse of young people are confidentially dealt with in accordance with the Association Guidelines and relevant legislation.

‘Reviewing the effectiveness of our Child Protection and Welfare procedures and related policies on an on-going basis.

‘Ensuring that members, coaches, team mentors, administrators, parents/guardians and spectators sign up to and adhere to our Code of Behaviour.

‘Promoting the Give Respect-Get Respect initiative at all levels within our Association.’

G.A.A. members are now mulling over the present crisis facing the association in the county following the resignation of Kelly, a former inter-county hurling referee and county Minor hurling selector.

He felt he was left with no option but to resign, and the Management Committee moved swiftly to appoint a former Children’s Officer, Dermot Howlin, back into the position in an interim basis.

Now it will be up to the clubs to deliver their own verdicts on this latest saga. As one can see from the Code of Best Practice in Youth Sport, this is a most important position in the association.